By Adolphus Ames –
The Nandua Warriors varsity girls basketball team hosted one of its district rivals, the Arcadia Firebirds, Tuesday, Feb. 8. The Warriors defeated the Firebirds 44-34.
The Warriors jumped out to an early 8-3 lead. Immediately, the Firebirds fought to make it a 1-point game. Midway through the second quarter, the Warriors went on an offensive run that put them up 26-15 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Firebirds cut into the Warriors’ lead to make it a 12-point game, but were unsuccessful at generating an effective offense during the final quarter.
The Warriors and Firebirds faced each other again the following night. The Firebirds, looking to avenge their previous loss, entered the rematch with higher energy and a more aggressive defensive scheme.
Bonneisha Braxton kickstarted the Warriors’ offense with two layups. The Firebirds quickly responded by interrupting the Warriors’ offensive rhythm and forcing multiple turnovers. Trailing with a few seconds left in the first quarter, Arcadia’s Kayla Wharton hit a 3-pointer that tied the game at 10 points.
The second quarter was a back-and-forth contest and the Firebirds managed to enter halftime leading by 2 points. In the second half, the Warriors’ defense matched the Firebirds’ aggressiveness, causing the Firebirds’ offense to lose some momentum. The Warriors went on a 19-11 run to close out the game and capture the victory. The final score was Warriors, 44, Firebirds, 32.
The Warriors played again Thursday, Feb. 10. They traveled to Eastville to face Northampton High School. On the same night, the Arcadia Firebirds traveled to Chincoteague to face the Ponies and will travel to Chincoteague once again for a rematch Friday, Feb. 11.
